Abuse and exploitation of migrant workers preparing Qatar for the 2022 World Cup
A Guardian investigation has found dozens of deaths and thousands of cases of labour abuses of Nepalese migrant labourers in Qatar. The investigation raises serious concerns about Qatar’s preparations to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, according to the Guardian. Over the course of the summer Nepalese workers died at a rate of nearly one per day, largely from heart attacks, heart failure and workplace accidents. Some evidence found by the investigators revealed abuses equivalent to modern-day slavery as defined by the International Labour Organisation. There are also reports of non-payment of wages, confiscation of documents, and the denial of access to free drinking water. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee said it was “deeply concerned with the allegations.” (The Guardian)
Progress on gender equality at work is stalling
A study by the UK’s Office of National Statistics has shown that, over the last 20 years, progress towards a more equal workplace has slowed down dramatically. According to the study there are 13.4 million 16-64 year-old women in work in the UK but many are still in low-paid jobs and far less likely to have managerial positions: 37% of men were employed in the upper-middle skilled roles compared with 18% of women. The Fawcett Society, a women’s rights campaign group, says the latest figures demonstrate the existence of a “motherhood penalty” at work, stating that, “for women, work all too often doesn’t pay.” Diane Elson, chair of the Women’s Budget Group, a group that promotes gender equality through economic policy, believes the situation will not change until there is a radical rethink of the workplace based on the idea that both men and women have equal responsibilities at home. (The Independent)
Environment
40% of food produced in the US is never eaten
A new report, The Dating Game, produced by the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, found that 40% of food produced in the US is never eaten, wasting $165bn of mostly edible food per year. The report highlights the lack of federal regulation of food labelling, leading to common misunderstandings. The lack of consistency in labelling by food producers means that the meaning of “use by”, “best by”, and other such labels, can vary from one product to another. Food freshness dates were found to often be used to preserve a brand’s reputation even if the food is still entirely edible long after visible changes have occurred. The report also stated that the labelling system: “does not address safety, nor was that ever its main impetus.” (businessGreen)
Electric vehicle usage could save London businesses £200 million
New figures from the Energy Saving Trust (EST) reveal that if 10% of vans registered in London by businesses were replaced with electric vehicles, they could collectively save £200 million. The study shows that through electric vehicles, organisations could save up to 75% on fuel bills. There would be further savings to the businesses through 100% capital allowances, the government’s plug-in vehicle grant and through electric vehicles not being subject to the congestion charge in central London. There are currently more than 1300 public charging points for electric vehicles in the Greater London area. The imperative for these vehicles will increase with the introduction of an ultra-low emissions zone from 2020. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said, through the use of these vehicles we can: “improve the capital's air quality, reduce carbon emissions and support jobs in this sector.” (edie)
The Scottish Government has confirmed changes to the country’s building standards that will oversee improvements in energy efficiency. From October 2015 new homes will be required to have emissions 21% lower than current levels and non-domestic buildings will be required to improve their emissions levels by 43% against current standards. The measures will mean lower energy bills for the occupants of new buildings: it is estimated that around 900,000 Scottish households were in fuel poverty last year. The Scottish Planning Minister Derek Mackay said the measures were a “vital step” in instigating the improvements that will make Scotland a greener country. The UK Government will introduce similar measures in 2016. (businessGreen)
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